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Exposure for anxiety is the gold standard treatment for anxiety disorders, but most people get it wrong, especially when trying to use exposure without professional help. In this episode, we're breaking down why so many people struggle with exposure for anxiety and how to avoid the common traps that lead to frustration and giving up.
If you've ever tried exposure therapy for panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, social anxiety, or health anxiety and felt like it wasn't working, this episode is for you. Learn the real science behind exposure, why it's supposed to be scary, and how to apply these principles correctly in your anxiety recovery journey.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
- [02:57] What exposure for anxiety really is (and what it's not)
- [05:02] The internal experience vs. external triggers - why this matters
- [06:42] How exposure actually works: habituation vs. inhibitory learning
- [10:40] The foundational truth that makes exposure possible
- [14:00] Why exposure for anxiety is supposed to be scary
- [16:07] The control trap: why trying to manage fear during exposure backfires
- [20:30] Doing vs. not doing: different types of exposure for different anxiety disorders
- [24:10] Why knowledge matters when applying exposure principles
- [26:20] Working with therapists vs. self-directed exposure
Perfect for listeners dealing with:
- Panic disorder and agoraphobia
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Health anxiety/illness anxiety
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Fear of exposure therapy
- Feeling stuck in anxiety recovery
Resources mentioned:
Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!
Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.
Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.
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